Benefits of Birth & Postpartum Doulas

Birth and postpartum doulas might feel like a new concept because you are just hearing about them, but the truth is, they have been around in some form since people have been having babies. Mothers in the family and/or community would join together to support each other during birth and postpartum.

You know that old saying, “it takes a village to raise a child”? Well, it also takes a village to raise a parent too, and a doula can be a valuable part of your village.

There have even been studies on doulas, and the conclusions have all been benefits for the birthing person and family. This is HUGE!

Benefits of the presence of doulas during pregnancy and birth:

• Someone to listen to your thoughts, anxieties & fears

• Feeling more confident about going into labor and birth

• Not feeling alone during labor

• Helping your birth partner feel included in the process

• Feeling empowered by your birth experience

• Decreases in:

  • Labor Time

  • Chances of C-section

  • Usage of pain medication

• Increases in:

  • Spontaneous Vaginal Birth

  • Birth Satisfaction

Benefits of a doula during the postpartum period:

• More baby cuddles & bonding

• More naps & showers (you’d be surprised how often a shower gets skipped once baby arrives)

• More time for yourself (do you need alone time to be able to function or decompress? Maybe it’s in the shower or it’s a walk by yourself once you’re ready for movement)

• Doing less dishes

• Doing less laundry

• Someone to listen to you (venting or otherwise, another adult is nice to have around for conversation)

• Help setting boundaries with family, friends, neighbors

• Help with groceries/meal prep

• Decrease in the incidence of perinatal mood disorders

• Increases In:

  • Breastfeeding initiation and continuation

  • Parents’ confidence in the care of their newborn

• Help with older siblings

• All of the referrals! If you need additional help, doulas have connections to lactation specialists, pediatricians, pelvic floor therapists, chiropractors, etc.

“We were so unbelievably grateful for you to be right by our side through labor and recovery.” 

-Birth and Postpartum Client, Shaker Heights

Aunt Sarah Doula is now taking inquiries for August through the end of 2022.  You can learn more about the services offered here.

Aunt Sarah Doula

Sarah helps families throughout Northeast Ohio by providing birth and postpartum doula support.  Contact her today auntsarahdoula@gmail.com to learn more.

World Doula Week

World Doula Week is March 22-28th, 2022, so today we’re wrapping up. You may have noticed a lot of doulas and birth workers posting about it, but perhaps you don’t know what it is. The goal of World Doula Week is to showcase the impact that birth and postpartum doulas have on the social, physiological, emotional, and psychological health of women, newborns and families in the postpartum period. 

Doulas are non-medical professionals who provide informational, educational and physical support during pregnancy, labor, birth, and the first 12 weeks of the postpartum period. The first 12 weeks are also known as the 4th trimester.

Having a baby is one of life’s biggest transitions and greatest joys. However, many parents find themselves feeling extremely isolated and overwhelmed during pregnancy and the postpartum period after the initial excitement has subsided.

Hiring a doula can help reverse those feelings and provide the support that new families need, and instead have a pregnancy and postpartum period that is filled with feelings of contentment and empowerment.

In honor of World Doula Week, here are the top 4 benefits of hiring a doula:

1. Non-judgmental support - a doula does not come in with a specific birthing plan or parenting style.  Doulas do not push specific ways of doing things. A doula is there to help you come up with your own birth plan and parenting style. They’ll help you figure out what feels right for your family. Doulas are also expert listeners who have no baggage or family history with you.

2. More enjoyable maternity leave – doulas help ease the transition for new parents. Having a baby is a major life change! Doulas are there to calmly support you through the shift and help you focus on enjoying it, rather than muddling through it alone.

3. Expert advice – your doula can share what works for other families, and other ideas and tips based on their training and experience. It’s so wonderful to have your questions answered as you go instead of relying on Google.

4. Decreased risk of postpartum depression & anxiety – research has shown that new mothers who feel supported tend to report less problems with postpartum mental health.

Aunt Sarah Doula

Sarah helps families throughout Northeast Ohio by providing birth and postpartum doula support.  Contact her today to learn more. auntsarahdoula@gmail.com